North Carolina has created a new Commission on Accessibility

North Carolina has created a new Commission on Accessibility under Executive Order No. 35. It establishes a statewide effort to improve physical, digital, communication, and language access across all government services. The order positions accessibility as a core requirement for effective public service, not an optional add‑on. The order:

• Creates a permanent Commission housed in the Department of Administration.
• Brings together state agencies and public members with expertise or lived experience in accessibility.
• Focuses on improving digital services, language access, physical environments, and communication practices.
• Supports ADA Transition Plans and Language Access Plans already in place.
• Advises the Governor and agencies on policies, training, and design standards.

The Commission is designed to make state services easier to use for residents with disabilities, people with limited English proficiency, and anyone who encounters barriers in government systems. It also aims to reduce long‑term costs by ensuring accessibility is built into programs from the start.

This move places North Carolina among the states treating accessibility as a statewide strategic priority rather than a compliance checkbox.